Evento

Joanna Sternberg (Bassist, Singer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist)

I was born into a family of visual artists, comedians, singers, songwriters and actors on August 18th 1991 in New York City.

When I was a baby I would hum and sing and talk to myself. I still do these things. When I was a toddler I started making up my own weird songs and tried to play the piano. I started taking piano lessons when I was 5 and continued until I was 16. When I was 11 I taught myself how to play the guitar and the electric bass. I was obsessed with Motown Records, 60's Rhythm and Blues, Rock N' Roll, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. James Jamerson is the reason that I play bass. I thank my dad for introducing me to his playing.

When I was 13 I went to Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art. I started playing the double bass there and was hooked ever since. I studied with many awesome teachers and learned a lot. After LaGuardia I continued my double bass studies at Mannes College and The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music. I started working professionally as a freelance double bassist at the age of 18.

When I was 18 I began drawing comics and cartoons. It was a therapeutic outlet that I desperately needed and will always need. I have been drawing since the age of 3. I am a firm believer in animism and using your imagination. I have always had imaginary friends and still do. When I was 20 I started to write songs about my "feelings." It provided me with another outlet that I could use to perform for the public. I write songs that are designed to make people feel like they are not alone.

Today I am a freelance singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, and visual artist. I play the double bass, electric bass, guitar, piano, and human voice. I draw comics, cartoons, patterns, designs, illustrations, logos, concert posters, and anything else that someone may commission me to make or I may come up with. I do not like to think of music or any forms of art in genres or categories...I don't even really like the word art because has the ability to make people feel bad about themselves (for example when people say "I am bad at art.") I view it all as magical love that helps people heal. It also helps me heal every single day.

One of my favorite things is teaching, and I am accepting students that want to learn: double bass, electric bass, piano, guitar, drawing, comics, singing and songwriting!